DOJ prosecutions

Olympian Charged with Felony Property Destruction for Touching Reflecting Pool

Former Olympic whitewater racer David Hearn has been indicted on a felony charge of destruction of property for allegedly pulling at a peeling flap of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s liner. Hearn maintains the damage was pre-existing and denies vandalism. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated evidence shows Hearn “woefully destroyed property” in a “deliberate act,” despite Hearn’s defense that he was only interacting with already damaged material. This indictment comes amidst a broader effort to prosecute alleged vandals of the recently renovated pool, a project that has faced issues with algae and peeling sealant.

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DOJ Struggles to Indict Administration Opponents Amidst Legal Hurdles

The Department of Justice appears to be encountering significant challenges in securing indictments against individuals perceived as opponents of the current administration, a situation that is notably unusual within the federal justice system. The recent failure to convince a grand jury to indict six members of Congress marks a stark example of these growing obstacles, highlighting an “uphill battle” for prosecutors seeking to reprimand those aligned against the administration’s agenda.

It’s quite rare for federal prosecutors to present their case to a grand jury and not secure an indictment. For context, in fiscal year 2016, the Department of Justice sought federal charges against nearly 70,000 felony defendants, and in a mere six instances did a grand jury refuse to indict.… Continue reading